Arizona Cosmetology Practice Exam

What effect does an alkaline solution have on the hair's cuticle?

1. Closes the cuticle, making the hair smooth

2. Lifts the cuticle, allowing for penetration of chemical treatments

3. Weakens the hair structure

4. Has no effect on the cuticle

The correct answer is: Lifts the cuticle, allowing for penetration of chemical treatments

An alkaline solution has a significant effect on the hair's cuticle by lifting it. This lifting action occurs because alkaline substances have a higher pH level, which causes the cuticle—composed of overlapping scale-like cells—to open up. When the cuticle is lifted, it allows chemical treatments, such as hair coloring or perm solutions, to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively. This penetration is crucial for achieving the desired results of the treatments, as it enables the chemicals to interact with the inner layers of the hair to produce changes in color or texture. In contrast, a neutral or acidic solution would typically have the opposite effect, helping to close the cuticle and making the hair appear smoother. Understanding the behavior of alkaline solutions is important for anyone working with chemical treatments in cosmetology, as it directly influences the efficacy and outcome of those treatments.